Ocellaris Clownfish

Environment

Minimum volume 150 liters for a pair. Stable reef aquarium with parameters: temperature 24-27°C, salinity 1.023-1.025, pH 7.8-8.4. Ideally provide a host anemone (Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea or mertensii) but not mandatory - the fish can adopt a soft coral or simply a corner of the tank. Good water flow and filtration, appropriate lighting if anemone present. Décor with live rock providing hiding places.

Feeding

Omnivore with carnivorous tendency. Readily accepts flakes, pellets for marine fish, frozen food (brine shrimp, mysis, krill, mussel meat). Feed twice daily in small amounts. Supplement with spirulina or algae for balance. Very good appetite, be careful not to overfeed.

Health & common diseases

The ocellaris clownfish is susceptible to common parasitic diseases in saltwater, particularly oodinium (velvet disease) which causes a velvety film on the body, and cryptocaryonosis (marine white spot) with small white spots on the skin and fins. It can also suffer from brooklynellosis (gill flukes) causing difficult breathing, as well as bacterial and fungal infections in case of injuries. To prevent these diseases, maintain excellent water quality, avoid stress (overcrowding, sudden changes), perform strict quarantine of new arrivals, and ensure a varied diet to strengthen the immune system.

Tips & tankmates

Gregarious species: keep alone, in pairs or in small groups if introduced young together. The formed pair becomes territorial. Compatible with most peaceful reef fish, but may vigorously defend its anemone. Protandrous hermaphrodite: the dominant becomes female. Easy breeding in aquarium: spawning on rock near the anemone, male guards the eggs. Check the origin: favor captive-bred specimens to preserve wild populations and benefit from better adaptation.

Sources

• FishBase - Amphiprion ocellaris
• Reef Builders - Clownfish Care
• Guide des poissons marins d'aquarium (Eichler & Myers)